Me? An Entrepreneur?

Welcome back everyone! It feels so long since I picked up my proverbial pen and began writing to you. My goal, to write something every single day. Now, the biggest question, "Did you miss me?"

Does anyone even care what I have been up to since I started blogging back in 2009?

Wow even that seems so long ago when I type that, because its now 2020. 11 years ago it all began with what I wanted, which was a place to write down my thoughts and send it out into the World Wide Web and hopefully connect with like minded people.

How funny how much things have changed in just 11 years.

So why am I here again after a long break from writing?

To share with you what God has been doing in my ministry or my life as I see it. What started out as an online journal evolved into a place to connect with so many people from all over the globe and even all different backgrounds, races, religions and so much more. I found in a sense an internet family.

From there it took on the shape of taking my love of reading and books and becoming a book reviewer for mostly Christian book companies and publishers for almost 10 years. Then everything all went digital and those days of free paperbook copies went by the way side. I finished home schooling my girls and they began lives of their own and I felt God telling me it was time for a change.

What He wanted to do in my life, if I was ready to follow Him.

How could I say no? Everything with God is going to succeed. That's almost an automatic yes!!! Please!!!

So I felt God pulling me into using my talents in home decor to not only teach people how to make their homes beautiful but also to teach them how to make that into a hobby or business. God put all the right people in my path.

First of all He provided an outlet for all my pent up creative talents and taught me more about what I was already doing through Facebook and YouTube videos.

Then He lead me to Jennifer Allwood, an incredible women who show other women how to make money in the online space, but even more than that, how I can keep my faith in my business without leaving that at the front door. I can say He is a master of making it all work out, and all one has to simply do is trust Him.

Now going on 3 years, I have managed to take what I love to do and turn it into a profitable full time business. I have a group of over 250 creatives that trust me each month to teach them how to do what I have done as well as coach them in the art of home decor and running an online business. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I could make that work. In fact my designs are all one of a kind unique originals. I never duplicate any design unless a customer is requesting something just for their home or double doors. I wanted them to feel as special as the time and creativity I put into all my designs, so that they too would feel unique and wonderful. Like a true Masterpiece.

I used to watch other people take simple ideas and turn it into a business and never for once did I think that would be me, but here I am.

So I can officially say without a doubt, that I am a small business owner. In fact, I just applied for my first business credit card. Who would have thought?

So I would LOVE to have you join me on the journey! If you have social media, like Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube or Instagram, come find me at KatsCreations777.

Until then I will be sharing with you what I am doing, what is happening and what I am making next. Until then, check out all my online tutorial videos at YouTube.com/c/KatsCreations777 or if you're interested in purchasing one of my one of a kind creations, find my website at KatsCreationsNMore.com. 

Working with My Dad

As most of you know, the relationship with my Dad had developed over the years to allow us to work together on establishing one that would work well for us both without revisiting the past. I have to say out of all those years of not talking, God has worked a miracle.

You see growing up with my Dad had been challenging at best. Always feeling like I never measured up and trying so hard to make him notice me by making me proud really wore on my self esteem, especially when the results were not what I had hoped or half-hearted at best.

Time has a way of wearing down some of our harsh edges and being a Christian definitely helped me to foster a forgiving heart for him not measuring up to the way I believed he should have growing up. In fact its sad to see how many relationships remain broken because neither party wants to forgive the other or feel like they need to make up for all those short comings.

When I called my Dad it was to make things right again because God put the ownership on me, that I knew better as a Christian what should be done. Even though he was the parent, the idea of winning him over and restoring a relationship had to begin with me. In fact, if it didn't, well I got to tell God, "Hey, at least I tried." Yet it was that attitude that made all the difference in working on the restoration we have developed over the years now. Time has worked hard on both of us to make us more open to working out our differences instead of letting them come between us.

I actually LOVE the man my father is now more than growing up. Perhaps it is all that lost time that can't be made up for that has soften my Dad. I am more proud of him now, than before as well. Not only recognizing the sacrifices he had made by joining the Navy so young and even more so how he continues to serve his country as an Honor Guard for Riverside National Cemetery representing the Navy in providing honors to those that are finally going to their heavenly home.

God has also opened the doors to allow my Dad and I to collaborate on his talents as a wood worker and now I have the honor of selling his hand made walking sticks or canes in a replica .45 with a light or dark finish and choice of military emblems or none at all. Made by a veteran for veterans of the armed forces and providing him with a way to earn a little money on the side. You can see the wonderful canes below and if you know of someone who walks a lot, takes their dogs out for walks or just looking for a great gift to bestow upon someone in the military, I ask that you support him via my shop! If you want something a bit more custom, contact me at KatsCreations777@gmail.com and I'd be happy to work with him and you to make that an amazing gift for someone special. 

I was even able to capture my Dad on video talking about them and his time in the military.

Making or Teaching?

Well today is much like most of my days. The ones most of my social media followers never see. They are the ones where my 'To Do" list is a mile long. There are the things I plan for the night before and then of course, something might come up that requires me to consider, do I change my current schedule to accommodate this " new thing?" or do I add it to the bottom in hopes I might get around to it?

Running a small business is NO easy task. There are all the perks people see from making money, to being "successful" and I use that term loosely because everyone's version of successful is different. But the truth is, that I struggle with all the same issues as someone just starting out, the fact is that I've just been struggling a bit longer.

From knowing how to take the idea of teaching people how to make what I just did, and then turn that into selling that product and all the other things that come down to that. I guess that's where, first of all, I'm blessed that God is giving me this chapter at this stage in my life. He has taken years of experience as a corporate trainer and allowing me to use those skills and teach moms, women and grandmom's how to do it too.

Oh but what they don't see is sometimes like the wizard of Oz. All they see is this organized person who floats into camera view each Friday Night and has all her ducks in a row. Ha, if only they could see what happens two hours before that LIVE airs. But that is the beauty of LIVES is the opportunity to ask the person you're watching a question and hoping they'll answer. My personal goal is to get through as many of those questions as possible in the time it takes me to make a wreath, so that that one person feels like they matter. All my followers and watchers matter. To thing that they find something I say or do worthy of carving out time, still blows me away. Thank you to all who do.

So in the wreath making industry right now is what I call transition time. It also means its a down time for us. Parents are busy getting their summer plans in order, moms are finalize details and the last thing she is thinking of is, "Oh you know we need a new wreath for our front door?"

No, that is probably the last thing from her mind. In fact, she won't think about her home decor until the kiddos are back in school and she can once more think of what would make her front door more inviting.

So during this transition stage is the time I tell my creatives, that you can learn more techniques, more designs and start making preparations for our busy time. It's taking that class you never had time for. It's joining a group that might help you learn more to improve your business or marketing skills. This is the time to get things ready. Sadly though most don't and simply toss in the towel. They find that during this time, since nothing is selling, they simply don't have what it takes.

But they do. They just don't often times understand how I get through the lean months. It's marketing like crazy. It's pinning almost 200 pins a day on my Pinterest page. It's posting 4 or more times on Facebook and Instagram. It's taking classes on how to improve on marketing or taking better photos or what apps might allow you to simplify your life more.

So it becomes a bit of teaching while also finding new things to make in the process. But you know I wouldn't give it up for anything. Knowing I am helping women find purpose in what they make and even for some, turn it into a small business of their own makes it all worth it.

Did You Think I Fell Off the Face of the Earth?

I should have checked when it was the last time I posted before I decided to sit down and write this post. So many things have happened since we last chatted and blogging has always been a huge thing for me to do. (Update: I checked the last post from me was in the beginning of April 2018) Has it really been that long?

It is what allowed me to share my thoughts with the world, without knowing if anyone would read them. It enabled me to meet some incredible Christian men and women that I still maintain contact with through social media more. It has also allowed me a platform for first book reviewing and now supporting my small business.

I guess if I had to begin somewhere it would be that reviewing books is a chapter in my life that is truly more for relaxation instead of a passion and obligation to do each day. Most of the publishers have now gone the way of eBooks or electronic copies of books, to help reduce costs and while I can appreciate it, nothing beats holding a book in your hand. The smell of the pages, and just the weight in your hands. Also no batteries or charging is required. I don't even know if my Kindle is even charged anymore to be honest. I have set that one down as well.

So many changes with family now too. Steve's parents are still having all kinds of health issues. His mom is still dealing with AFib and keeping her heart in the right rhythm without racing too fast. I guess I never really understood the challenges with patients who have been diagnosed with aFib. She is also the main caretaker of the two and with her own health issues, it can become a lot to deal with. They are kinda local for us right now but are making plans to head back to Havasu to live in assisted living so they can be closer to their siblings and friends. Not sure when that will happen.

Our youngest daughter, Kailee got married in November of 2018 at a beautiful barn wedding, surrounded by family and friends and honeymooned in Jamaica! So we have added another family to our ever growing family tree. Our oldest daughter is going through a divorce after her husband decided that marriage and family was more than he initially wanted from life. So we have been working with helping her out in Modesto and enabling her to be more self sufficient living alone with adding a security system and alarms. This was prompted even more by an attempted home invasion break in which she was able to keep from happening due to quick thinking and a call to 911.

Needless to say, things have been more than interesting. Steve and I have entered our empty nest phase of life and while our kids are close enough to visit, this has been a welcome change of sorts. Steve travels quite a bit which has allowed me to work on expanding my growing business with Kat's Creations, a small business that sells wreaths, home decor and now offering online training and a monthly subscription group to learn how to make beautiful things for the home. I also teach people how to make wreaths in my Facebook LIVES every Friday night at 5pm PST if you're interested in talking to me, or learning how to make them.

I just wanted to let you all know that I haven't fallen off the face of the earth or been a recent celebrity death, but simply busy, but wanted to let you know I am trying to pick back up my writing so I can stay in touch with YOU, my dear blogging friends once more. Oh how I have missed you all! Hope you'll stop by and say Hi again!

Born to Teach

The title sums it up.

I believe God has graced me with the ability to teach. From tackling homeschooling both my daughters, the youngest from 1st grade through 11th, yes she graduated a year early, to my job for 10 years as a Corporate Trainer and Senior Training Specialist to now heading up my own home based business, including managing and supporting a group of incredibly talented ladies in my wreath making private group.

I love not only just teaching a new skill to women, but to encourage and nourish their souls with the right dose of encouragement. I love doing that because I believe as women, we get beat up a lot, put our own needs on the back burner for awhile and also we serve so much, we often don't hear words of encouragement that would refill our emotional bank accounts. We are so busy all the time, that we fail to see what greatness we bring to our families, our jobs and even in our own life.

Isn't that the truth about our lives ladies?

Don't we just grow in the sunshine with just the smallest dose of praise?

I know I do.

There are those times when you just feel like a dying plant waiting for a drop of moisture so you can grow and thrive again. I know how much I adore that feeling of getting kudos for a job well done. Just the smallest dose goes such a long way and can pick you up when you're feeling blue and melancholy. I believe that not just women need it too, but also the men in our lives. The ones who work so hard at keeping us financially afloat could use that same praise for anything they do. They get beat up all day by people not appreciating them for what they do, because it is expected, yet I find that often times, praise and appreciation go further than a bigger paycheck. I know there are jobs that I look back on and I LOVED doing them because most days I got instant appreciation. From a floundering student who suddenly excels at something they've been struggling with, to a new employee who believes they're not cut out for the job, only to shine with just the smallest dose of encouragement and some time helping them where they're frustrated, to women who believe they're not cut out to do anything now that they believe their lives are growing to a close.

I believe if you're still breathing, God has you here today for a plan and a purpose and He doesn't make mistakes, In fact, throughout the Bible, God has used countless, "nobodies" to become major somebodies when He is finished. I mean if the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth thinks you're something special, shouldn't that be good enough? Yet it sure does something to us when we hear it! My challenge for you today is to find 3 people and encourage them, compliment them or find a way to show them, they're special. The interesting thing is that it does something for you as well by taking that time and making it something sincere.

Hope that you'll share how it went with me below with a comment. 

Oh yes, the wreath pictured at the top of this page is for sale. You can find out more about it on my Etsy store Etsy.com/shop/KatsCreations777 or messaging me at KatsCreations777@gmail.com

If You Are Faithful...

There is a verse in the Bible that has been part of what I'm working on in my own personal walk of faith lately. It is from the Book of Matthew 25:21, and it says, "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much." 

This has been the precedent over my entire business and personal life, when I can remember it. When I first started out in launching my business, I knew I wanted it to be centered on my faith. Sure there are those that take a beating when they mention their faith, but I wanted my to not be hidden, to shine like a light on a hill, not something covered up so I could possibly profit even more. I was determined that God would be the focus on what I am doing, and if anyone could make it succeed, the Creator of Heavens and the Earth would be a great foundation to build upon. 

I'm not saying it doesn't take a whole lot of work, but I find if I take time for God first, He will take care of the rest. So each day, I start with God first, and try to end it with Him as well. I want my faith to be front and center and it has always been a dream of mine to have a faith based business, and to be able to use my talents to encourage and help others to achieve their own level of success by building on the same character traits I hope to drive home. 

It has been a true blessing to help women to take a role in their own successes, to help encourage them in their efforts and most of all to step aside when it is their moment to shine. I believe that is what God has called me to do and for now, the business side of things is all up to Him. I simply use my creative talents to show others what is possible and along the way offer up prayer to those who need it. Without God at the center of this, I don't want any part of it. I can simply go back to quietly reading books and reviewing them as well as products. Until that happens, I will continue to walk in faith and give all the glory and honor to my Father in Heaven. I just need to continue to faithful in everything I do and keep working at it one step at a time. 

Manageable But Still Waiting

Hard to believe just how difficult it is to find a new specialist.

By the time I am finished, I'll be a professional hoop jumper. You know after jumping through so many hoops to find a manageable way to deal with my IC pain. Even that word alone is challenging to say, Interstitial Cystitis. That's why so many people just call it IC.

So now, we are in a waiting game to see what direction, God will have me go. Finding a new specialist with a new medical group, or go back to the one I had before, that treated me horribly, but the doctor I was seeing is no longer there. Makes one wonder why?

So the treatment is manageable. I don't take any pain meds at this time, because they really don't do anything for your pain. I'm managing with natural supplements like Marshmallow Root, (lifesaver), Tumeric, Boswelia Extract along with the prescription for Pyridium for now while I wait. At least I am not curled up in fetal position anymore and still drinking copious amounts of water. But enough of that.

I just finished two wreaths last week from my Friday night LIVE on Facebook as well as another one Sunday and both sold out before I finished. That is always a great feeling, that and 5 custom orders made for a large shipment to the post office yesterday as well as setting up my next business venture which are subscription crates, like you see just about everywhere for everything. Mine are unique one of a kind wreath kits designed so you get enough materials to make your own original. The name of them is Kat's Creative Crates. I listed those yesterday, just 5 for a test run and those sold out within 5 minutes. That meant I had to place another order yesterday for another 10-15 kits. I like shopping for that one special person who is buying a crate to help them make something incredible! Plus it keeps the market from being flooded by look alikes, which I am seeing everywhere.

If you're interested in a custom order, don't hesitate to contact me. I really enjoy making something truly unique for someone.